The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said Chance Gallant, 20, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Advertisement

Officials said the shooting appeared to be accidental.

The sheriff's office said six men were gathered for recreational shooting and target practice when a rifle jammed.

The men were working on the weapon when it discharged and critically injured Gallant.

Rescue crews tried for more than an hour to save Gallant, but he died at the scene.

Gallant worked as an EMT for the town of Sebago. His death is a shock to everyone who knew him.

"He was full of life. He was a free-spirit. Loved everybody. Give you his shirt off his back. If you need help -- right there," Sebago EMS Deputy Chief Jason Schoolcraft said.

Schoolcraft was Gallant's mentor and had known him for years.

"I've known Chance since he was in elementary school. My daughter went to school with him. He lived a couple doors down from me," Schoolcraft said.

Schoolcraft said he doesn't know how or why Gallant got in front of the gun.

"This was an absolute accident -- absolutely, in my opinion. These young men that were there -- very knowledgeable, very cautious. It's going to take a lot of time to heal, but we're a huge family and we take care of one another," Schoolcraft said.

Maine State Police are handling the investigation, and the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office could file charges